Wednesday, March 16, 2016

News Release - Winnipeg Police Service

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Winnipeg Police Service Celebrates Its Volunteers

There is something truly infectious about the efforts of volunteers.

We know that is especially true of the efforts of the volunteers serving within our Victim Services and Community Support Programs. With every shift served, they seemingly go above and beyond to further the efforts of the Service. Perhaps more importantly, they ensure their fellow community members come away with a positive experience and they help they need when interacting with the Winnipeg Police Service.

We can't thank them enough  but we certainly tried during the 2016 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner held March 15th. They do so much for us  and the community  so each year we set aside one night to formally recognize their efforts on our behalf.

These are the men and women you likely first encounter at one of our police stations. Serving alongside our officers and staff, they're there to help you get to the help you require. At community events, our volunteers aid in operating our Community Caravan and are always quick to ensure kids young and old  and curious citizens of all ages  can ask questions about our operations and/or get a "selfie" with Copper  our mascot!

The volunteers serving with our Victim Services Program are among the most caring committed people you will meet.

Victim Service (VSS) Volunteers assist the public by checking on the citizens' well-being after police related incidents. Victims receive court information and referrals to community agencies; but more importantly, they receive a voice on the other end of the phone that cares.

VSS volunteers field calls ranging from concerns/complaints, to victims being emotionally distraught, to the public looking for information on anything police related. When the volunteers don't know the answers, they find out.

Congratulations to Mr. Ajay Kumar who was selected the Victim Services Volunteer of the Year! He has been a member of the program for past 11 years and can always be counted on to be gentle and kind through all his interactions. He has contributed more than 2,000 volunteer hours to the program! In the community, he also volunteers at his children's school and is a respected and long-time volunteer with the India Pavilion at Folklorama.

Mr. Ken Oram was selected the Community Volunteer of the Year! He has been a staple of the program since joining us in 1995. He currently serves as a Team Leader within the Community Volunteer Program and can always be counted to assist with extra volunteer efforts away from the station. Some of the special events he's assisted with include the WPS Half Marathon, Community Canvasses, Copper, Cops for Cancer events, Motorcycle Ride for Dad, Mova Walk, Operation Red Nose, Santa Claus Parade, School events, Torch Run, Vehicle Inspections, Orientation sessions and more.

In 2015, he put in 180 hours with our Program and now has over 3,540 lifetime hours.

Service Honours Committed Community Members Working to Make Winnipeg Safer

Our community is made stronger when we work together for the betterment of all.That is the underlying thought behind Chief Devon Clunis' direction and efforts to create a culture of safety for Winnipeg.